This Time, Lord...

By I.M. Ulysses

This time, Lord,
Let's do it right
This time, Lord,
Push back the night

This time, Lord,
It won't be as before
This time, Lord,
You've settled the score

This time, Lord,
I will look on the past
This time, Lord,
The dye will be un-cast

This time, Lord,
I will mourn the lost
This time, Lord,
I can count the cost

This time, Lord,
I'll see the other side
This time, Lord,
I won't need to hide

This time, Lord,
My tears you can dry
This time, Lord,
I won't need to cry

This time, Lord,
I get to go home
This time, Lord,
I won't be alone

This time, Lord,
There is peace at last
This time, Lord,
It is in the past

This time, Lord,
There will be no more
This time, Lord,
I know it for sure

This time, Lord,
I can start to heal
This time, Lord,
This hope is for real

This time, Lord,
Death will pass by
This time, Lord,
Only hatred will die

This time, Lord,
The battle is done
This time, Lord,
Thy victory's....won!

In remembrance of April 29th, 1983, when we left our home in Mississaga, Ontario for Calgary, Alberta. I remember this day with great sadness because it took me from all that I cared about; changing me, and hurting me deeply.
That hurt has stayed with me, every day, until now. On June 1, 2012, after 29 years and almost one month, my mother, brother, and I returned to where we started, to begin new lives.
I give glory to God for His mercy to me over those many years away, and ask His forgiveness, in turn, for all the anger, and hate, that filled my heart during that time. I also thank Him and praise Him for my bride, Mary, who showed me that love is greater than even my hatred. It was through her love, ultimately, that God brought me home and for that, I praise Him all the more.
The Lord sustained me when everyone abandoned and poured scorn on me, including my immediate family. To You, O Lord, therefore, belong all mercy, power, and glory, from everlasting to everlasting. In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!
"I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, [even] of thine only. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come."
Psalm  71:16-18